Two Leonardtown residents face drug-related charges after St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office detectives executed a search warrant at a home on Parsons Mill Road, recovering suspected crack cocaine, paraphernalia, and cash during the operation.
On February 26, 2026, members of the Criminal Intelligence and Vice/Narcotics Units, supported by the Emergency Services Team, served the warrant at a residence in the 40000 block of Parsons Mill Road in Leonardtown. The action stemmed from an ongoing investigation that identified Joseph Tyrone Holton, 63, and Joan Marie Jones, 56, as suspects in narcotics activity.
Authorities recovered approximately 66.5 grams of suspected crack cocaine along with suspected drug paraphernalia at the scene. Holton was found with $1,000 in cash in his possession. Jones possessed additional suspected drug paraphernalia.
Holton was arrested and charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance and possession of a controlled dangerous substance. Jones was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Both individuals were processed at the scene and held pending initial court appearances in St. Mary’s County District Court.
The seizure highlights continued enforcement efforts targeting narcotics distribution in St. Mary’s County, where crack cocaine remains a concern in local communities. The Sheriff’s Office Vice/Narcotics Unit routinely collaborates with specialized teams for high-risk warrant service to ensure officer and public safety during such operations.
Leonardtown, the county seat, has seen periodic drug-related arrests tied to residential investigations, reflecting broader regional challenges with controlled substances affecting Southern Maryland. The exact street value of the recovered narcotics and cash was not disclosed, nor were details on potential connections to larger trafficking networks.
No injuries occurred during the warrant service, and the investigation remains active. Additional charges could be forthcoming based on lab analysis of the seized substances and further evidence review.
